Proverbs 27:21 (NLT) Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.
When we communicate, we reveal much about ourselves, especially our authenticity. When providing sales training, I’ve noticed that some trainees want to adopt certain, perceived personality traits thinking those traits will make them better sales people. Not so. Lack of authenticity is soon detected. Sales people, like leaders, must root their communication in authenticity. Authenticity in communication purifies the messages delivered.
We all like to hear “job well done!” How we hear it and who is telling us are both critical to our ability to process the communication. When pricked with praise, bleed humility. Can’t do that if you’re faking it. A leader, in touch with his/her Leader, will be able to respond to the test of praise with honesty and gratitude, appreciative of the praise, but not gloating in it.
Your followers also like to hear praise. When you praise them, sincerely, you also can begin to get insight into their hearts. Does pride or arrogance creep out at the edges? Does giving credit where credit is due emerge? (Is that authentic or a simply dressing up a lack of self-confidence?) Praise is a powerful management tool. It revels much.
Authentic, Kingdom-driven, servant-leaders must daily empty self to allow the Spirit to move in. Discipline is involved. Commitment to the final praise from the Almighty (“…well done, good and faithful servant…”) must drive us. Followers, motivated by leaders who express character, compassion, concern and conviction, produce results that catch the attention and praise of those watching. How the leader handles that adulation the first time will predict whether a second time will result.
How are you handling the test of praise?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Friday, March 27, 2009
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